Sega's iconic arcade racing game, OutRun, is set to make a thrilling transition to the big screen in a surprising movie adaptation. Universal Pictures has enlisted the renowned director Michael Bay, famed for his work on the Transformers series, to helm and produce this new venture. Sydney Sweeney, a rising star in Hollywood, is also on board as a producer. The screenplay will be penned by Jayson Rothwell, though details about the plot remain under wraps, and no release date has been announced yet.
On the Sega front, Toru Nakahara, who played a key role in the successful Sonic movies, will serve as a producer for the OutRun film. Additionally, Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi will oversee the project, ensuring that the essence of the beloved game is captured on screen.
Originally launched in 1986, OutRun was a groundbreaking arcade driving game developed by the legendary Yu Suzuki at Sega. Over the years, it has seen various versions and ports, with its last major release being OutRun Online Arcade in 2009 by Sumo Digital. Although the series has been relatively quiet in recent times, Sega's interest in reviving its classic titles is evident with new projects in development, including Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi.
Sega has also been actively exploring adaptations of its intellectual properties. The Sonic movies have achieved significant success, and last year, Like a Dragon: Yakuza made its debut on Amazon. The demand for video game adaptations in Hollywood is surging, as seen with the record-breaking success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the recent release of A Minecraft Movie.
As for the OutRun film, fans might anticipate a high-octane driving and action-packed experience reminiscent of the Fast & Furious franchise, given Michael Bay's directorial style and Sydney Sweeney's involvement. This adaptation promises to bring the adrenaline-fueled excitement of OutRun to a new audience in a spectacular fashion.
